what does this passage mean to you?

Question

"...as each man silently felt for his arms, and assured himself that his several weapons
were in a state for service. But there was no answering symptom of hostility on the
part of their hosts."

Answer 1

I see two groups of men from different tribes or places. The first group fears attack or treachery, so they look to their weapons and preparedness, but the second group does not respond to this evidence of mistrust in a negative way; either because they have only good intentions, or because they are so strong they do not fear the others.

For some reason I prefer the second alternative. There is something more attractive and beguiling about strength than about good intentions.

Answer 2

the boys checked their weapons to, make sure they were ready to rumble but, the home gang, had no desire to initiate hostilities.